About the role#
The Engineering Intern will support the Barnhart team at the Chesapeake branch. This paid internship provides hands-on experience in developing heavy-lift and heavy-transport solutions. You will work alongside engineers, managers, and field teams to gain exposure to the rigging and transportation industry. The role involves both office-based tasks and local field support.
What you'll do#
- Assist the engineering team with heavy-lift and heavy-transport projects.
- Create AutoCAD and Inventor models.
- Produce equipment layout drawings.
- Perform basic steel design and calculations.
- Develop initiatives to improve engineering processes and proposal creation.
- Maintain clear communication with your manager and team members.
- Provide local field support as needed.
- Build knowledge of equipment, including load charts, operational best practices, and standard rigging gear.
- Match the skills of branch personnel to specific job requirements.
What you'll need#
- High School Diploma and current enrollment in an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science Engineering program.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Mechanical aptitude and creative problem-solving skills.
- Experience in the construction industry is preferred.
- AutoCAD and solid modeling experience is preferred.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and determine corrective actions.
Location & details#
- Location: Chesapeake, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site at the branch, equipment storage yard, and project field sites.
- Employment: Full-time, temporary role with a rolling term.
- Requirements: Must be able to work long hours and some weekends as needed.
About Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Barnhart Crane and Rigging provides engineering services for heavy lifting, rigging, and transportation. Founded in 1969, the company operates from its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. It maintains over 60 branches across North America. The firm employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people and serves sectors such as power generation, petrochemical, and nuclear energy.
How to get in at Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Applying early at Barnhart Crane and Rigging gives you a distinct advantage before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. You should also consider reaching out to the recruiting team directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles to help you make that connection.



